Ahoy there me maties. This be your Cap’n’s speaking, and we have a quick announcement to make. Well, more like a reminder.

First up, if you haven’t heard or have been hiding on a deserted island since the last convention, this year’s theme is Pirates. So come and show us your inner pirate, or we’ll have ya scrubbin’ the decks!

If you want to set up a Cosplay Photoshoot for AnimeIowa 2014 please go to the Photoshoots Forum Topic. It has all the information about planning and submitting a photoshoot session for the convention and getting it advertised. Sign-ups MUST be posted before June 27th.

I quick notice that Consweet hours will be different then from previous years. For AI 2014 the Consweet will only be open Friday noon to 3 am, Saturday 8 am to 3 am, and Sunday 8 am until Closing Ceremonies. More information will be posted on the Consweet page, and be sure to check out the Consweet Forum Topic if you have any say on Consweet or the snacks it will carry.

We are proud to announce our guests for AnimeIowa 2014! Our guests of honor are a critical part of the convention and this year is no different. This year we will be hosting Robert Axelrod, Greg Ayres, Chris Cason, Samurai Dan and Jill, Russell Lissau, Trevor Mueller, Mimiru Riley, Lucas Schuneman, Uncle Yo, and Greg Wicker. Be sure to look at the Guests page for full bios.

Each year AnimeIowa sponsors a charity to support in its Charity Auction event. We are proud to announce that this year we are supporting Miracles in Motion. For twenty-six years, they have provided equine therapy and outreach to the disabled, disadvantaged, veterans, and other groups in the community. Be sure to read more about AnimeIowa Charities at the Charities page and the forum.

Following their Facebook acquisition, Virtual Reality company Oculus VR is putting forth a Social Initiative program to use their Oculus Rift virtual headgear for new and exciting social activities. We are proud to announce that AnimeIowa has acquired an Oculus Rift development kit as part of this charter program and are beginning work on Virtual AnimeIowa. Soon you be able to enjoy the rustle and bustle of the convention in the comfort of your own home. No longer will you need to walk anywhere, be physically present, or get dressed to enjoy the convention. We are even looking into third-party attachment to enhance the immersion; such as tactile support for glomping simulation or an olfactoric add-on for the full con-funk experience. We are very excited about this opportunity and believe this is the future of conventions.

If you are an artist or dealer looking to sell at AnimeIowa 2014 pay close attention. Sign-ups for the Anime Marketplace are open. Go to the Anime Marketplace page to find the 2014 Anime Marketplace Contract. Simply read and fill out the contract and email marketplace@animeiowa.com. All the details about pricing and conditions are included on the contract. There has been delays in setting up Paypal for contract payments, but you are welcome to submit a contract for approval prior to payments opening. Be sure to email if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. The Marketplace department will be happy to help in any way possible.